Museum, Historical landmark, Tourist attraction
Kelmscott Manor
Called ‘Heaven on Earth’ by William Morris, this 17th-century Cotswold manor near the start of the Thames holds his designs, Pre-Raphaelite paintings by Rossetti and work by Jane and May Morris.
The story
Morris loved the house and its adjoining farm buildings as true craftsmanship, unspoilt and unaltered. Inside, it is an old farmhouse of little rooms hung with Morris wallpapers and fabrics, alongside embroidery, tapestries, sketches and furniture, with a volunteer in each room to explain the story. The attic rooms, reached by a staggered staircase, are full of character. Morris and Jane are buried together at St George’s church in the village. The simple gardens have ancient persimmons and quince, croquet on the front lawn and an old wooden loo tucked away at the back. The tearoom bakes homemade cakes and cheese scones, and the gift shop stocks Morris prints. Workshops such as natural dyeing and Christmas crafts are held on site, and the Thames Path runs nearby, with a circular river walk back to the Plough pub.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦House entry is by timed slot and slots sell out, so book online in advance; once inside there is no time limit.
- ✦The car park is about half a mile from the house, with a free electric shuttle running back and forth.